A Kitchen Collaboration That Works
In the dining area are, from left, Susan and Maddie Bossi; June Trisciani of j. ellen Design in Manchester; and Don Bossi, holding Heather.
June Trisciani, of j. ellen Design in Manchester, forged a strong working relationship with Susan and Don Bossi not long after they hired her to design the interiors of their Bedford home. The journey started with a trip to Connecticut, where the Bossis lived at the time, to spend a day with the couple. “I wanted to know more about how they lived and what they loved about their home,” Trisciani says. “I also wanted to know what they wanted to do differently when building their new home.”
The result of Trisciani’s day trip is evident throughout the Bossis’ elegant home, but especially in the spacious kitchen she designed for the family— working in conjunction with architect Jack Kemper, of Kemper Associates Architects in Farmington, Connecticut, and builder Mark Calnan of Legacy Homes in Manchester.
The heart of the home, the French country-inspired kitchen, flows easily into the main living spaces of the house. “You can sit in the family room or dining room, and no one feels cut off from the space,” Susan says.
A large, marble-topped island provides extra work space and storage as well as seats three at the counter. Additional seating is cleverly built in using a banquette that anchors the island on one side, comfortably accommodating an additional six or seven people; shelving behind the banquette provides storage for cookbooks and knickknacks. The space is also easily accessible to a beautiful outdoor kitchen and patio that the Bossis frequent in summer.
Trisciani designed the custom-made, white-glazed cabinetry, which provides ample storage; cleverly hides appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher; and creates a streamlined appearance. A curved range hood is a standout feature, as are the hand-painted porcelain tiles extending from the backsplash to the ceiling.
One of Susan’s favorite spots in the kitchen is a prep counter, angled under a corner window, that’s the perfect height for rolling out cookie or bread dough (the silver pearled granite countertops also have a lovely leathered feel). A woven wall covering by Phillip Jeffries adds texture to the room. Valances and comfortable cushions on the banquette, made of fabric by Duralee, add a pop of color.
A spacious butler’s pantry off the kitchen echoes the elegance of the kitchen, with walnut countertops, additional custom cabinetry, a hammered copper sink and a sparkling light fixture. Glass-fronted, lighted cabinets are cleverly framed by two vertical rows of wine shelves.
It’s evident that Trisciani’s relationship with the Bossis helped them create a kitchen that’s both functional and well designed. “June stuck with us throughout the entire process, from choosing cabinets to picking out fabric to accessorizing,” Susan says. “She did a wonderful job.”
Designer June Trisciani created a French countryinspired kitchen, with custom cabinetry throughout, accented by glossy, counter-to-ceiling ceramic tile and simple window coverings. The angled lower counter is homeowner Susan Bossi’s favorite work area in the kitchen.
Even Heather, the family’s French bulldog, enjoys the space.
Custom cabinetry in the walk-in pantry includes vertical wine racks and glass-fronted doors.
The kitchen flows easily into the home’s other living spaces. The bar stools are from Ippolito’s Furniture in Meredith.
A banquette built into the island extends the dining space. Built-in bookshelves provide additional storage.
